Man and wife jailed in 2-year-old attack on female couple near Corpus Christi

By Carol Christian |
June 24, 2014
| Updated: June 24, 2014 1:47pm

Photos of Mary Kristene Chapa (left) and her girlfriend Mollie Judith Olgin that were given to people attending a candle light vigil for the girls Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. Olgin, 19, and Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital.

David Strickland, 27, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Photo: Portland Police Department

Laura Strickland, 23, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. She is charged with tampering with evidence in connection with the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Photo: Portland Police Department

The Portland Police Department released this sketch July 4, 2012, in the attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa.

The Portland Police Department released this sketch July 13, 2012, in the attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa.

Photo By Michael Zamora/Associated Press

Crimes scene investigators take evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Gay rights groups have called for a thorough police investigation into the fatal shooting of a teenage woman and wounding of her girlfriend in the park. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. Police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora)

Photo By Michael Zamora/Associated Press

A crime scene investigator takes pictures of an evidence marker near some playground equipment Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Gay rights groups have called for a thorough police investigation into the fatal shooting of a teenage woman and wounding of her girlfriend in the park. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. Police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora)

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Rachel Timson and Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

About 50 people attended a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Julie Pousson (left) cries during a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. About 50 people attended the event. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Angela Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade held Saturday June 30, 2012. Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head last Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By LINDSEY WASSON

Daly Mellinger holds Norma Jean, a Boston Chihuaha, as she watches the vigil with Jennifer Cota at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Rachel Timson and Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By LINDSEY WASSON

A crowd of over 100 people attend a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital.

Photo By LINDSEY WASSON

People run under a giant rainbow flag after a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital.

Photo By Michael Zamora/Associated Press

Elizabeth Valadez of Corpus Christi, Texas, writes a message on one of the posts Friday, June 29, 2012 as other friends and supporters write messages on a large sheet behind her during a vigil for teens Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Olgin died and Chapa continues to recover after the two were shot June 23 at the park.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By LINDSEY WASSON

People write messages of support on a banner during a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Jess and Jules Diliberto embrace during a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Theresa Garnero and Rosie Castillo embrace during a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Sister Peggy Ritual and Jason Haas share a moment of silence at a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Jason Haas and Veronika Fimbres embrace during a vigil. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By Megan Farmer/The Chronicle

Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas.

Photo By AP

A memorial is seen at the corner of Market and Castro Streets during a vigil for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa (pictured). Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for the two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. Vigils for the women are also scheduled for Friday in Washington, D.C., and Portland, Texas, among other cities.

Photo By Michael Zamora/Associated Press

Family, friends and supporters walk the trail Friday, June 29, 2012 along Violet Andrews Park as they head to the overlook where teens Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa were found shot last weekend in Portland, Texas. About 100 people came out for the vigil to remember Olgin, who died June 23 at the park, and show their support for Chapa, who is in the hospital in stable condition.

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Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests.

David M. Strickland, 27, and his wife, Laura K. Strickland, 23, were arrested June 20 at their home in Helotes in the San Antonio area.

He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. His wife is charged with tampering with evidence. They remained Tuesday in the San Patricio County Jail on no bond.

Almost exactly two years earlier, on June 22, 2012, Mollie Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, who was then 18, were found in a birdwatching area at Violet Andrews Park in Portland near Corpus Christi.

Olgin had already died of a gunshot wound to the head, and Chapa was in grave condition but survived to tell about the ordeal.

In the days after the attack, police said the women were known to be in a dating relationship but there was no evidence that the attack was motivated by their sexual orientation.

Portland police released two composite sketches of the male shooter, based upon information from Chapa as she recuperated. Despite having the sketches, Portland Police, who were investigating the case with help from the Texas Rangers, had no leads until earlier this month.

Once investigators issued arrest warrants for the Stricklands, they asked the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for help in finding and apprehending the couple.

U.S. Marshal Christopher Bozeman, a spokesman for the Marshals Service in San Antonio, said it took the team a little over two hours to find the Stricklands in an apartment in the 12000 block of Bandera Road in Helotes, about 25 miles northwest of San Antonio.

"Once we have a warrant, we start doing everything on our end to find the person as quickly as possible," Bozeman said. "We don't want that person to have knowledge of the warrant and be tipped off."

Portland police have not provided details about how Strickland was linked to the case.

"While we know the community has many questions, this is still an active investigation and we would not want to do anything to jeopardize the case," Portland Police Chief Gary Giles said in a news release. "We are confident that we have the person responsible for this horrific crime in custody. There is still a lot to do in order to prepare the case for prosectuion..."

David Strickland was living in Portland at the time of the shootings and has also lived in Utah and Helotes, police said.